How can I transfer from Navy to Marine Corps?

PO3 Austin Michael — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:09:53 -0500

So as of now, I am an MA with just over a year and a half in the Navy and a brand new 3rd Class. I am doing well in the Navy but my heart just isn't in it. I considered going Infantry in the Marine Corps before enlisting in the Navy but decided against it and now that I'm where I am, I wish I hadn't. I definitely want to go Infantry as a rifleman or possibly an infantry officer. I am married and have my first child due in June. Has anyone done anything like this before or can anyone tell me the best way to go about doing it?

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jan 21 at 2016 11:19 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Thu, 21 Jan 2016 23:19:42 -0500

PO3 Austin Michael You are late! The Corps does not tolerate tardiness. I guess you will need to finish your enlistment or find a door to BUDS!

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jan 22 at 2016 1:35 AM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 01:35:49 -0500

There is no trick. Like others have said, just finish out your contract. If you want a seamless transition time-wise, you'll have to make the arrangements well in advance, and even then it might not be possible without a wait. That said, if the Marines want you, the Navy might play nice and release you a bit early if you have all the arrangements made.

FYI, I served in the Navy and then in the Marine Corps, but there were a few years in between.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 22 at 2016 3:47 AM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 03:47:21 -0500

Well, the first step is finishing what you have started. Next, it is totally possible for you to join the Marines after your contract is up. I knew a guy when I was a PFC, he had done 12 years in the Navy and on a whim decided to become a Marine; he graduated as company honorman as a Lance Corporal, and because of his insane time in service (for an E-3), he made Corporal while still in MOS school. He lost it though, mainly because he failed too many tests, but picked it back up right quick when he found his niche. This was over 10 years ago, so I'm sure he is either out or retired by now, but the point is that it can and has happened.

Response by SSgt Christopher Brose made Jan 22 at 2016 3:30 PM

SSgt Christopher Brose — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 15:30:29 -0500

There is a little known fact -- it's not a secret, it's just that not a lot of people know it. Each service has its own billeting requirements. So when they face the prospect of losing anyone, they have to plan to replace that person. It's true of both active duty and reserves, which is why it's not as easy as you might think to go from, for example, the Army Reserves to active duty Army. The Army has to account for not only the addition of a soldier to a billet in the active Army, but also for the loss in their reserve ranks, which takes planning, which takes time.

But the Navy doesn't give a crap about the Army's billeting requirements. So going from the Army Reserves to the active Navy is significantly easier, because the Navy only has to worry about its own billeting requirements. I learned this fact first-hand back in the early 80's. Going from the reserve of one service to active duty in another service is much easier than trying to go from reserve to active duty in the same service.

This isn't necessarily relevant to the OP, since he wants to transition from one active component to another active component, but the information might be useful to someone else reading this thread.

Response by LCpl Donald Hall made Jan 22 at 2016 4:58 PM

LCpl Donald Hall — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 16:58:19 -0500

Austin;what do you want to do w/your self?your young,take time 2 think.you can do 6yrs
in each branch(24).what you will learn and see. you will have too do 13 weeks @ paris
island,do it while your young. hopefully some Lifers will chime in,their your advice
best of luck P.S.Education< do last 6 in what U enjoyed 30yrs=E9?=2000 per mo.

Response by Sgt Stephen Walker made Jan 22 at 2016 7:25 PM

Sgt Stephen Walker — Fri, 22 Jan 2016 19:25:24 -0500

Not sure how much information you were able to glean from the other replies to your post but I will add my comments. As a current Marine Corps Recruiter, I think that alone solidifies my qualification to answer here, I have dealt with many prior service other service and here are the basics.

Q...Can you "crossover"?
A..Yes, member must obtain a DD Form 368 Request For Conditional Release from the Recruiter

Q...What is the timeline (window) between discharge and enlisting?
A...A 368 once routed through the members chain of command usually has a window of about 30 days but it can change at the discretion of the members command. ***If the member does NOT change components and/or the dates on the 368 expire the member must return to their original service and start the process over.

Q...Does the Marine Corps make me jump through hoops?
A...It wouldn't be the Marines if we didn't. You must be fully qualified according to retention standards (same as current Marines) and have obtained the needed waivers (dependents, age, etc) in order to be scheduled for processing at MEPS.

Q...DEP time, MEPS and shipping.
A...According to the Marine Corps Recruiting Command Enlisted Processing Manual (MCRC EMP) Prior Service Other Service (PSOS) DO NOT rate DEP time. The Recruiting Station contracting you must ship you the day you go to MEPS to enlist. A ship date should be identified with your Recruiter prior to you obtaining the 368.

Q...What happens to prior service other service at Marine Corps boot camp?
A...You will have to take a reduction in grade to E2 and must complete all graduation requirements like everybody else. You will rate to wear you Personal Awards at graduation and during inspections. There is no guarantee about meritorious promotions at MCRD for PSOS as far as I know. (I also spent two years at MCRD San Diego, I have some knowledge of the Recruit Training Order). Meritorious promotions are up to the Drill Instructors and the training companies, good luck though.

Q...What about jobs?
A...A Recruiter should help you with that when you first come into the office, if you qualify to process for enlistment.

Over all the process is easier for Reservist and National Guard guys than for Active Duty components. My office is currently working an Active AF and prior Reserve AF, both seem to be taking for ever but then again they're not 18 YO's with zero baggage. I've been Recruiting for three years and have come across people from all branches trying to become Marines for various reasons. We even had an Army 2nd Lt who was trying to give up his commission. Anther one that sticks out is a kid who called from a ship while he was deployed, can't help you there bud.

Hopefully this info helps you and whoever else reads it. Feel free to message me directly if you have additional questions.

Good luck to you.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Jan 24 at 2016 4:23 PM

CDR Michael Goldschmidt — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:23:53 -0500

You can wait until your enlistment is up, then go to Marine Boot Camp, if the Marines will have you. Alternatively, you can try to become a Corpsman, then serve with the FMF.

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jan 24 at 2016 4:52 PM

PO3 David Fries — Sun, 24 Jan 2016 16:52:23 -0500

I am obviously biased, but I vote for CDR Michael Goldschmidt suggestion. You get the best of both worlds, serve with the Marines and serve with the Navy. I imagine it would be easier to change ratings than to change branches.

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Jan 25 at 2016 5:25 PM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Mon, 25 Jan 2016 17:25:55 -0500

Trust me, I'm a former Navy Nuke Sub Sailor... and I'm here to help.
1. Shave your head, or damn close to it.
2. Get a bone saw, or one of those new-fangled hand rotary saws I've seen on late night TV.
(OPTIONAL: Consume two bottles of Captain Morgan, or one bottle of Sailor Jerry's.)
4. Cut out a 1/4 hemispherical piece of the cranium above your forehead. Set aside for later.
5. Scoop out as much of the front part of all that gross grey jello-like stuff. It won't hurt. I promise.
6. Replace with an inflated balloon or preferably, one of those kiddie-water-wings.
7. Re-attach the bone you previously removed using crazy glue. Set aside for at least 6 hours.
8. Go to USMC recruiter. Make sure you tell them that you have a built-in flotation device to keep your head out of the water.
ENJOY your new life as one of Uncle Sammie's Misguided Children.

Response by GySgt Dennis Gilbert made Jan 26 at 2016 12:55 PM

GySgt Dennis Gilbert — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 12:55:37 -0500

The truth is you would have to see a recruiter and go through boot camp and you would only be able to come out as a LCpl afterwards. If you took the officer route, I believe you could apply for OCS while still in the Navy but it will require a conditional release, all of this would be through a Officer Selection Officer or OSO, that you could locate through a local Marine Corps Recruiting office. Being that you have a family, if you still wanted to join the Corps, I would recommend going the Officer route. OCS is 3 months long and after is 6 months of The Basic School, following of which would be your MOS school. Hope this helps.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jan 29 at 2016 1:17 AM

PO1 John Miller — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 01:17:42 -0500

You've received some good advice. What I would like to know, and what you should probably think about if you haven't already, are you willing to take a reduction in rank to E2, should you go enlisted? Can you and your family afford the loss in pay?

Response by PO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 15 at 2016 1:44 AM

PO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 15 Dec 2016 01:44:30 -0500

You can always join another branch, but if i remember right the marine corps was the only branch that reduces you in rank and you have to re attend most of their schooling. With you having a new a kid and all, getting reduced in rank is a cut in pay as well.

Response by Sgt Terry Reed made May 17 at 2018 12:25 AM

Sgt Terry Reed — Thu, 17 May 2018 00:25:32 -0400

Get discharged from navy
Enlist in marines
But you will have to go through
Their bootcamp.

Response by Cpl Allison Murphy made Jul 12 at 2018 12:14 AM

Cpl Allison Murphy — Thu, 12 Jul 2018 00:14:25 -0400

Ha ha ha, do the Marines make you jump through hoops? Yes, literally and metaphorically. If you want to be one of us. But looking at the date, I hope you made it. It’s hard to be (and stay) a Marine, but it’s fucking worth it.

Response by SCPO Morris Ramsey made Jun 24 at 2019 7:43 PM

SCPO Morris Ramsey — Mon, 24 Jun 2019 19:43:08 -0400

Apply for a change of rating and become a hospital corpsman. Once you finish “A” School apply for the Fleet Marine Service. After you complete FMS request assignment to one of the Mud Marine Units.

Response by HN Ken Harper made Jun 14 at 2020 10:15 AM

HN Ken Harper — Sun, 14 Jun 2020 10:15:53 -0400

Stay in the Navy, they are downsizing in the Marines. Also think about your family, the Navy has more to offer.